Lawrence was first elected to the House of Commons on November 21, 1988 to represent Cardigan, and won his tenth consecutive election in October 2019.

Lawrence’s Cabinet appointments have included Solicitor General of Canada, Minister of Labour, Secretary of State (Veterans), Secretary of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. He has served as Critic for Fisheries & Oceans, and Seniors. In addition, he was Vice Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.

Lawrence served as Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food from 2015 until 2019 and is currently Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. Lawrence was born on September 9, 1946, in St. Peter’s Bay, Prince Edward Island. He was previously a farmer and businessman. He and Frances Elaine O’Connell were married in 1972 and have three daughters: Carolyn, Rita and Lynn.